TRIBUTES have been pouring for former Buckie High teacher Jeff Jones, who has died aged 74. One of the youngest principal teachers of chemistry in the country, he was an inspiration for generations of students. A colourful character away from the classroom, Mr Jones founded the original Radio Buckie, was a Moray Firth Radio DJ and a long-standing Advertiser music columnist. In the 1960s Mr Jones was part of the pirate radio station Radio 270. Former Buckie High rector Chris Sugden, who worked with Mr Jones for 20 years, said: “He will be remembered by all in the school community with warmth and respect. “Former pupils will remember his infectious enthusiasm for science, his skilful teaching and his quirky sense of humour. Many students who went on to study chemistry at university will remember with fondness his classes which sowed the seeds of their future careers. “His interest in radio was legendary. Many pupils honed their microphone talents under his guidance. “Jeff was held in high esteem by
his colleagues. He managed an excellent department and was always willing to go the extra mile to support staff or pupils. While we will all mourn his passing, he has left a fine legacy of generations of young people excited by science.” Current rector Neil Johnson said: ”He was committed to making practical school chemistry as realistic as possible and a number of students undertook cutting-edge crystallographic investigations with the nine structures they described for the first time commemorated prominently in the chemistry department.” Buckie councillor Sonya Warren said: “I’ve many fond memories of him helping at the Buckie Duke of Edinburgh Award group, sharing his love of music and radio presentation skills. My thoughts are with his family and friends.”